By reducing the weight that you have to drag uphill, Santa Cruz heightened the trail experience for the way up the mountain. And, just as importantly, this weight reduction increases the Tallboy's maneuverability while you send the trail down back down. Complementing those positive qualities is a SRAM X0, Easton EA70, Avid, and FOX Complete Bike Build. In other words, this means that the shifting, braking, and steering are just as responsive to bio-inputs as the chassis is itself.

Index fingers and thumbs are treated to left and right X0 shifters which control a 2x10 drivetrain. This consists of TruVativ's X0 GXP crankset with 26/39t rings upfront, and an 11-36t, PC-1050 cassette outback. Guided by the shifters is an X0 front and X0 Type2 rear derailleur. The index fingers also get to enjoy the carbon levers that are found on Avid's powerful X0 Trail brakes. The rear rotor is 160mm, but at the front is a 180mm rotor. And, given the 120mm-travel FOX FLOAT that's leading this Tallboy Carbon, the increased leverage will nicely offset the higher downhill speeds that it warrants. Like the CTD dampened FLOAT occupying the rear, the fork also has FOX's easy-to-use Climb, Trail, and Descend dampening settings to optimize ride quality for the conditions at hand.

However, what's connected to these FOX goodies is what makes this crosscountry bike the sought after beast that it is. Santa Cruz’s time-tested formula for carbon has become the industry standard. Santa Cruz's engineers use a one-piece layup and curing process, as opposed to assembling joints. Essentially, this eliminates any excess material or weight. However, when compared to standard layups, the resulting Tallboy structure better distributes loads and absorbs impact energy with far more efficiency.

Furthermore, this structure creates a strong and light chassis for Santa Cruz's proprietary, 100mm-travel VPP suspension to work its magic. VPP features upper (carbon) and lower (aluminum) links that permit trail inputs to be controlled by the shock. Concurrently, VPP is filtering chain, braking, and bio-forces from the picture. Additionally, this neutralizes brake-induced lockout, pedal-bob, and squatting during acceleration, which ultimately creates one of the most efficient, yet active, suspension designs available.

For durability, Santa Cruz added easily-serviceable grease ports in the aluminum alloy lower-link. The pivots are also oversized with 15mm locking axle pins that run on intricately-sealed bearings with one-way purging seals -- this ensures long maintenance intervals. Additionally, Santa Cruz topped it off with titanium hardware, where applicable, in order to keep the weight as low as possible. And for rolling stock, this X0 Complete Bike rides on Easton EA70 XCT wheels that have been cased in 2.2-inch Geax Saguaro tires. Completing the build is an EA70 steam, an EA70 XC Carbon handlebar, and an EA70 seatpost that's supporting a Selle Italia SL saddle.

The Santa Cruz Bicycles Tallboy Carbon/SRAM X0 Complete Bike is available in the sizes Medium, Large, X-Large and in the colors Carbon/Red and Blue/Black/White.

Here's what others have to say...

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Awesome Value!

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

This is one of the better mtn bikes we offer on CC and probably the best value for your money. The Tallboy is a light weight, agile Xc bike that performs well under lots of different types of terrain. It climbs extremely well and is ultra-comfortable on epic rides but can be a deadly racer on the circuit. I have had the opportunity to ride this bike several times and i must say it always leaves a smile on my face. If you have the means I highly recommend picking one up. These are custom builds so components are changeable. I would be happy to assist you with any questions or price quotes for upgrades. My direct line is 801-736-6396 x 4074 or e-mail wbranham@competitivecyclist.com

** if you dont see your size available we could switch the frame for a Tallboy 2-still at an amazing deal. Contact me for details. Wes

Comment on WesB's review:

I"m a fan!!

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I purchased the Santa Cruz Tallboy in December and have several rides on it now. Coming off of a Stumpy Elite 26", I was a little worried about a 29er's handling in tight trails but this thing is 4 pounds lighter and just as nimble. The main difference was that it climbs and descends with confidence vs. a 26. I have more clearance at the chainrings and the integrated XO bashgard is great. I love this bike and won't look back. I would suggest changing out the wheels and installing pads at the end of the cranks to keep from banging up the carbon near the pedal. I put a Mavic Crossmax wheel set on mine as they are bullet proof. Very worthy bike for the money.

Comment on kenp1151627's review:

Santa Cruz Tallboy C = Bad A**

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I love this bike. Fast. Climbs unbelievably well. The shock controls are superb and easy to adjust mid-race. Most notably is how it eats rocks while others are trudging through them. I am a very satisfied customer.

Comment on CA mojo's review:

Santa Cruz Tallboy c

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

One of the best all around full suspension 29ers. Climbs and descends superbly. Great for all day adventures or XC racing. I have it in medium. SC makes the top tubes a little short so check the numbers and if anything size up. A true Jack of all trades !